Thank you for choosing InternationalPharmacy.com as your trusted source for US-sourced prescription medications. Whether you are a US expatriate or a UK resident, you can safely buy medications online UK for personal use. Below is important information about ordering, customs clearance, and potential charges for shipments to the UK.

You may import non-controlled prescription medications for personal use or for an immediate family member. Each shipment should not exceed a three-month supply.

We recommend including a copy of your prescription, although the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not strictly require it.

When placing an order, you must certify that your medication use will be supervised by a healthcare provider.

For packages valued at under £900, a prescription copy is not required. For shipments over £900, a prescription copy helps with High Value Customs clearance.

For more detailed guidance on bringing prescription medications into the UK, see Take medicine in or out of the UK

Customs clearance in the UK is handled directly by the courier (DHL or FedEx depending on your chosen shipping option).

For high-value invoices, couriers must submit the commodity code for each item and, in some cases, additional paperwork. Most medications are classified under Commodity Code 2937 9000 00. While UK regulations do not generally require a special license for personal-use imports, we request a copy of your prescription for smooth clearance.

When you buy medications online for shipment to the UK, you will encounter the following charges:

Example: A package valued at £272.58 may be assessed by DHL as follows — VAT £61.05, Customs Duty £32.70, Admin Fee £11.00. However, with a UK prescription attached, VAT should not apply, though duty and courier fees will remain.

These medications do not have unique commodity codes listed.

Based on classification rules, the code for the active ingredients (levothyroxine and liothyronine) should be used: 2937 9000 00.

Q1: Do I have to pay VAT on prescription medications shipped to the UK?
A: Prescription-only medicines for personal use, with a valid UK prescription, are generally zero-rated for VAT.

Q2: Are customs duties applied to medications imported to the UK?
A: Most prescription medications, including liothyronine and levothyroxine, are classified under Commodity Code 2937 9000 00 and typically have a very low customs duty.

Q3: What is the courier handling fee?
A: Couriers like DHL or FedEx charge a small administrative fee (usually £10–£15) for customs processing.

Q4: What documents should I include with my shipment?
A: Include a copy of your UK prescription, especially for shipments over £900, to ensure smooth customs clearance.

Q5: Can I import medications for family members?
A: Yes, you may import non-controlled prescription medications for an immediate family member, provided the quantity does not exceed a three-month supply.

Q6: How do I ensure smooth customs clearance?
A: Declare the accurate value of your package, include your prescription if required, and ensure the correct commodity code (2937 9000 00) is listed. For guidance, see Take medicine in or out of the UK.

At InternationalPharmacy.com, we always declare the accurate value of packages. HMRC monitors online sales, and inaccurate declarations may delay customs clearance. Since UK law prevents us from registering locally, we cannot pre-charge VAT. All duties or fees must be settled directly with the courier.

We appreciate your trust in us to buy medications online UK safely and legally. If you have questions about UK shipments, customs, or import rules, our support team is available to assist you.